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The 24th Infantry Division (Mech) was inactivated on Aug.1 at Fort Riley, Kansas.  The inactivation ceremony was held at 9:00 AM on Cavalry Parade Field, Fort Riley, in conjunction with a transfer of authority ceremony and change of command ceremony. The ceremonies were open to the public.

Maj. Gen. Dennis Hardy, commanding general of the 24th Infantry Division (Mech) and Fort Riley said that, "As the commanding general, I am proud and honored to have served in one of the finest infantry divisions in the Army. The 24th Infantry Division (Mech) is one of the most storied divisions in the Army, with a remarkable history of duty and service to the nation.

"Though our gallant division is casing its colors, the accomplishments of our Soldiers have left a legacy that is forever etched in the wall of military history," he said. "Perhaps, in time, the Army will again call upon the 24th Infantry Division to be "First to Fight.

"Until then, our division will live on in the hearts and minds of every Soldier who has served in the "Victory" Division and in the freedom enjoyed by a grateful nation," Hardy said.

The 24th Infantry Division (Mech) was initially activated at the Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on March 1, 1921, as the "Hawaiian Division." The "First to Fight" division was among the first divisions to see combat in World War II, later adopting the nickname "Victory Division" because of its victories in the South Pacific.

In June 1950, the division was again "First to Fight" against the North Korean aggressor and was subsequently awarded the Presidential Citation (Army).

In 1990, the division deployed to Southwest Asia where it served in the Defense of Saudi Arabia and Liberation and Defense of Kuwait campaigns.

The 24th Infantry Division was most recently activated at Fort Riley on June 5, 1999, and oversaw the mobilization and deployment of three National Guard enhanced Separate Brigades: the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade at Clinton, North Carolina, the 218th Heavy Separate Brigade Columbia, South Carolina, and the 48th Separate Infantry Brigade in Macon, Georgia .

The 24th Infantry Division (Mech) division also oversaw the simultaneous mobilization and deployment of the 278th Regimental Combat Team of Tennessee at Camp Shelby, MS, and the 42nd Infantry Division of New York at Fort Drum, N.Y.

Additionally, the 24th Infantry Division (Mech) provided oversight to three active brigade-level units on Fort Riley: the 1st Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade of the 1st Armored Division and the recently inactivated 937th Engineer Group. All three of these units deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism, and the 3rd BDE deployed twice.

Up until the day of inactivation, the 24th Infantry Division continued heavy engagement in several lines of operation in support of our great nation and the U.S. Army. In January, the division stood up the 4th Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division; in March, the 24th Infantry Division began working the mission to consolidate all U.S. Army Military Transition Team training at Fort Riley. During this time period, the 24th laid the groundwork for the return of the 1st Infantry Division to Fort Riley.

Information compiled and written, graphics created, by Norman E. Tredway